If you’ve seen my Disney Bucket List, you may have noticed that I’ve included very little about rides at Walt Disney World. One reason for this is because Bucket Lists, by nature, are about things you haven’t done, and I’d experienced the vast majority of rides at Walt Disney World (though not all… until now :) ).

The second reason is that Walt Disney World, regardless of how it appears at first glance, is about SO much more than rides. It’s about atmosphere, heart, memories, family and friends, and magic.

But, let’s face it… it IS more than a little about the rides, isn’t it ;) ? Because Disney attractions are simply a BLAST!! So, let’s have at it!

Hop on board!

Having at long last experienced every attraction in Walt Disney World, I’d like to present my not-very-highly-anticipated (yet HIGHLY subjective)…

I survived the Tower of Terror 10 Miler through Hollywood Studios, and now I’ve made it through the jungle… Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K is a “wild” run through Disney’s Animal Kingdom! And once again the folks at Run Disney stayed true to their word that “Every Mile is Magic.”

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K is part of Run Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon weekend. Throughout race season, the longer distance races typically have an accompanying 5K race (3.1 miles). These are a great opportunity for beginning runners who aren’t quite sure if the longer distances are for them, or just a fun way to warm up your legs for all the miles you’ll put on in the Parks. Either way, watch out… there are enough “smiles in the miles” to get you hooked ;).

Snow — the Disney variety ;) — fell on the runners waiting for the start!

And they’re off!

Then they’re stopping for pictures ;)!

I loved running under the Tibetan prayer flags all over Animal Kingdom’s India.

At some point, of course, the race route has to steer runners out of the park.

But that’s okay – there was still plenty of fun to be had!

And no Disney race is complete without a coveted Disney medal placed around your neck :).

In the case of a 5K (with the exception of the Expedition Everest Challenge, which features a metal medal, due to the presence of an obstacle course and scavenger hunt), the race bling is a plastic medallion. But that doesn’t keep it from being just about the cutest darn race trinket I’ve ever received :).

So, there it is… including Hollywood Studios, that’s two off my list of four parks to run through. Here’s hoping I can complete my goal of all four in January through the Walt Disney World Half Marathon!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is known, first, for its animals… go figure ;). You can’t argue with that—they are stunning creatures! In fact, one of my favorite memories was seeing a group of baby elephants splashing around in the water during my Kilimanjaro Safari…

Another is when a group of giraffes stopped our safari vehicle for almost five full minutes because they refused to get off the road… and at Animal Kingdom, the animals always have the right of way :).

But another thing that makes Animal Kingdom unique is its gorgeous, lush scenery…

And that’s not even counting this “little” green gem:

So, let’s just say you’re strolling from Africa’s Harambe Village on your way to Expedition Everest in Asia, and some of that breathtaking scenery… starts to MOVE?

Then that means, you’ve stumbled across DiVine!

From the Walt Disney World website: “This leafy goddess departs the trees and ‘stalks’ passersby with her graceful, mesmerizing movements.”

You can pick up a Times Guide upon entering Animal Kingdom to find out when and where the beautiful DiVine can be found. But I had hoped to happen upon her, and did! I was on my way to the park exit, but decided wherever I was going could wait. Bucket List Victory! Even if you make official plans to catch her, it’s still totally worth seeing the looks of surprise (and confusion!) on the faces of those who are unsuspecting :).